Senior Director, Business Development

About the role

Sana Biotechnology is growing, and we are hiring new team members who believe in the potential of engineered cells as medicines, who are passionate about delivering the possible to patients, and who lead with the desire to work on novel ideas. As a Senior Director, Business Development, you will report to the Chief Financial Officer to lead and execute key business development initiatives for a publicly traded biotechnology company advancing innovative cell and gene therapy programs. This individual will play a central role in evaluating, structuring, negotiating, and managing transactions that support the company's long-term growth objectives, including licensing, partnerships, collaborations, co-development arrangements, platform transactions, and other strategic opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate cross-functional diligence processes involving R&D, technical operations/CMC, clinical, regulatory, legal, IP, finance, commercial, and executive leadership.
• Develop business cases, valuation frameworks, competitive assessments, and transaction rationale to support internal decision-making.
• Structure, negotiate, and finalize term sheets, letters of intent, confidentiality agreements, and definitive agreements in collaboration with legal and executive leadership.
• Support preparation of presentations and recommendations for senior management, executive committees, and the Board of Directors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with biotechnology peers, pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions.
• Serve as a key point of contact for existing and prospective partners, representing the company with professionalism, credibility, and strategic insight.
• Support alliance transition and post-signing governance as needed to help ensure successful execution of strategic collaborations.
• Partner closely with internal leaders across research, development, manufacturing, commercial, finance, legal, intellectual property, investor relations, and corporate strategy.
• Help drive internal alignment on external opportunities by synthesizing complex scientific, clinical, strategic, operational, and financial considerations.
• Contribute to broader corporate planning efforts, including portfolio prioritization discussions, long range planning and strategic reviews.
• Develop financial frameworks to properly analyze potential transactions.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in biotech/life sciences business development, specifically in technology licensing or tech transfer; however, an alternate combination of education and experience will be considered in exchange for a specific degree.
• Deep understanding of the scientific, clinical, regulatory, and commercial dynamics relevant to therapeutic development.
• Proven track record of successfully negotiating and closing complex transactions, demonstrating strong strategic judgment, financial and transactional acumen, and cross-functional leadership.
• Ability to engage effectively with internal senior leadership and external stakeholders with a track record of operating with executive-level visibility and confidentiality.
• What will separate you from the crowd
• Advanced degree (MD, PhD, MBA, or JD).
• Experience in a public company environment.
• What you should know
• The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $250,000 and $315,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
• This position is located in our Cambridge, MA office.
• How we work together for patients
• Lead from every seat - we seek to understand, act with honesty, and engage in the crucial conversations
• Thrive as a team - we hire amazing people, are intensely curious, and cultivate inclusion and personal connectivity
• Make it happen - we value vigorous debate, alignment around our decisions, and resilient execution
• Get to know us
• Core to our values, we believe there is nothing more important than the health and wellness of you and your family. For benefit eligible employees, we cover a generous portion of the cost for employee health coverage, mak

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